6 Best River Safaris in Africa: Unique Wildlife & Water Adventures

May 4, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Discover Africa’s best river safaris—from Zambezi canoes to Chobe boat cruises. Explore wildlife, birding, and serene waterways across six stunning rivers.

6 Best River Safaris in Africa for Wildlife, Scenery, and Serenity

African safaris are not only about game drives across golden savannahs—some of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife encounters happen on the water. River safaris in Africa offer a tranquil and immersive way to experience nature. Whether by traditional mokoro, luxury boat cruise, or canoe, these unique journeys reveal a world of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife from a fresh perspective.

From the iconic Zambezi to the mysterious Congo, here are six of the best African rivers where you can enjoy unforgettable safari experiences.

1. Zambezi River Safari – Zimbabwe & Zambia

The mighty Zambezi River flows over 2,500 kilometers across southern Africa and is most famously known for feeding Victoria Falls. Yet downstream from the falls, it becomes a haven for tranquil river safaris. This stretch, particularly near Mana Pools National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park, is one of the best places in Africa for canoe safaris and guided boat trips.

Expect to paddle past pods of yawning hippos, basking crocodiles, and herds of elephants coming down to drink. The Zambezi is also teeming with birdlife, including fish eagles, bee-eaters, and kingfishers. For those who prefer comfort, luxury houseboats and sunset cruises are available further east near Lake Kariba.

Highlights:

Best river for multi-day canoe safaris in Africa
Wildlife-rich waters near Mana Pools & Lower Zambezi
Incredible birdwatching and photography opportunities

Best Time to Visit:

June to October, during the dry season, when wildlife concentrates near the river and visibility is excellent.

2. Chobe River Safari – Botswana & Namibia

Forming the northern boundary of Chobe National Park in Botswana and separating it from Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, the Chobe River is famous for its dense populations of elephants and diverse wildlife. A Chobe River safari often begins in the town of Kasane, where day trips and overnight cruises depart regularly.

Boat safaris here offer a front-row seat to large herds of elephants bathing, buffaloes grazing on the floodplains, and countless crocodiles lurking beneath the surface. You can also spot rare antelope like puku and red lechwe, as well as over 450 species of birds.

Highlights:

Best place to see elephants up close from the water
Excellent combination of boat safari and classic game drive
Access to the Four Corners of Africa (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe)

Best Time to Visit:

August to October for peak wildlife viewing, although the river remains navigable year-round.

3. Okavango Delta Waterways – Botswana

Technically not a river but a massive inland delta system, the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Fed by the Okavango River, the delta’s slow-moving channels, floodplains, and papyrus swamps are best explored by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) or motorboat.

A safari here is about serenity—gliding through lily-covered waterways as elephants cross in front of your canoe, while jacanas walk on floating vegetation nearby. The delta is home to all the Big Five (including rhinos in protected areas), and its remoteness makes it perfect for exclusive, intimate safari experiences.

Highlights:

Best for mokoro safaris and delta birding
Chance to see elephants, hippos, sitatunga, and predators in wetland terrain
UNESCO World Heritage Site and pristine wilderness

Best Time to Visit:

May to August during the delta’s flood season, when water levels are high and wildlife is abundant on islands.

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4. Nile River Safari – Uganda

The River Nile may be best known for its historical significance in Egypt, but it also offers incredible river safaris in Uganda, especially within Murchison Falls National Park. Here, the Nile cuts through savannah and forest, creating a stunning setting for boat cruises that approach the dramatic Murchison Falls—where the world’s longest river is forced through a 7-meter-wide gorge.

A Nile safari offers a great opportunity to spot elephants, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birds like the shoebill stork. Morning and afternoon cruises are popular, while fishing expeditions and private charters are available for a more tailored experience.

Highlights:

Iconic views of Murchison Falls from the water
Wildlife-rich riverbanks teeming with large mammals
Excellent birding, including kingfishers, herons, and rare shoebills

Best Time to Visit:

December to February and June to September—dry seasons for wildlife viewing and smoother navigation.

5. Rufiji River Safari – Tanzania

In the heart of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), the Rufiji River offers one of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets. With its winding channels, oxbow lakes, and flooded plains, it’s perfect for leisurely boat rides through wild African landscapes.

The area supports large populations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and lions, as well as diverse birdlife. Few other parks in Tanzania offer water-based safaris, making this a must for travelers seeking something different from the classic Serengeti experience.

Highlights:

Unique boat-based safari experience in East Africa
Fantastic birdwatching with species like fish eagles and spoonbills
Great add-on to a southern circuit Tanzania safari

Best Time to Visit:

June to October—dry season, when animals congregate at water sources and river safaris are most accessible.

6. Congo River Safari – Republic of the Congo & DRC

The Congo River, second in length only to the Nile and by far the deepest river in the world, flows through the heart of Central Africa. A Congo River safari is an off-the-beaten-path adventure, combining raw nature, cultural encounters, and vast untamed waterways.

While not as wildlife-focused as other river safaris, the Congo experience immerses you in rainforest landscapes, fishing villages, and occasional sightings of forest elephants, monkeys, and birds. Some tours explore the Sangha Trinational Reserve or link up with Odzala-Kokoua National Park—home to western lowland gorillas.

Highlights:

Explore one of the world’s most legendary rivers
Cultural immersion in riverside communities
Combine with gorilla trekking in Congo

Best Time to Visit:

December to March or June to September for optimal river conditions and forest exploration.

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Whether it’s the thrill of paddling past hippos on the Zambezi, photographing elephants on the Chobe, or quietly gliding through papyrus in the Okavango, river safaris in Africa deliver an extraordinary combination of wildlife, water, and wilderness. They offer a slower, more intimate connection to nature—perfect for both adventure seekers and serenity lovers.